By: Najla Alexander
Hi there, RLS Metro Breaking News friends and family. Your girl Najla is here! Finally, a much-needed cool-down from the heat wave we had earlier this week, but it ended up being such a wet and rainy Memorial Day Weekend. Nevertheless, summer is here, and we all know it, so keep cool when those temps. rise again!
So now you see people in the community starting to have cookouts, BBQs, pools are opening, and the first taste of summer with all these amazing sales happening, but that’s only a very small part of this holiday weekend. Of course, celebrate and enjoy with family, but don’t forget the true meaning behind this holiday, and Carteret truly knows how to celebrate it.
“This day is a reminder that we should take the time to remember those who lost their life serving,” a speaker explained.
This weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, is about remembering and honoring our Veterans, Soldiers, Sailors, and all fallen loved ones who have died serving their country and protecting it! With my birthday falling on Veterans’ Day and my father being a veteran as well, I am truly appreciative that they are getting the recognition they deserve.
In honor of this year’s Memorial Day Services, Carteret held its annual celebration presented by the Honorable Mayor Daniel J. Reiman, the Borough Council, and The Veterans Alliance, which took place at Carteret Waterfront Park on Sunday, May 24th.
“Even on a day like this, seeing a crowd like this is so beautiful,” a speaker explained.
The casting of the memorial wreaths, flag-raising, and waterfront service began at 8:00 a.m., during which our town officials and the Honorable Mayor Reiman delivered solemn remarks about fallen loved ones and those still with us who also served and protected our country.
Thanking the crowd for taking the time out on a day like this to remember, and for coming out despite the less-than-ideal weather, this year's crowd was even bigger.
After initial introductions, it was time for the families of lost loved ones to honor their memory by casting a beautiful wreath into the water, and as each fell below, it was a reminder that they will never be forgotten but forever loved by their families and country.
Followed by the solemn blow of the trumpet that sent them off, there were smiles across so many faces despite the tears streaming down, knowing this was also a celebration of life because they were there with their loved ones that day. Feeling their presence all around.
In the afternoon, at Carteret Park on Carteret Avenue and Cypress Street, the Veterans Alliance held a ceremony at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, but due to the inclement weather, the parade was unfortunately canceled.
Such a beautiful weekend, despite all the rain it has brought, to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend, remembering while having fun on this holiday, to take the time to honor those who risked their lives to serve their country and protect it.
We at RLS Metro Breaking News want to thank those who have fallen and are still serving our country today. We will never forget you!